Native herbalists used a combination of natural science and spirituality to heal the members of their community.
Native American healers employed a variety of herbal remedies in order to alleviate sickness among the members of their communities. The village herbalist often held a special status among the healers of a particular tribal group. Employing a combination of natural science and religious tradition, this healer was able to serve as a bridge between the natural and the supernatural. When used in conjunction with healing ceremonies, natural herbs provided an effective curative measure that eventually influenced the development of modern western medicine. The true power of these healing herbs goes beyond the natural medicinal abilities and extends into the supernatural realm of the spirit world.
The most vivid description of the art of healing comes from the journals of George Catlin, who bore witness to one such ceremony in his study of the Blackfeet in 1832. As part of his systematic study of the indigenous tribes of the America west, Catlin lived among a group of Blackfeet and learned much about their way of life. The herbal healing ceremony has many stages. First, the injured man is treated with the medicinal herbs sound in the surrounding community. Following the initial treatment, the healer performs a ritual dance that is meant to stir the healing spirits within the herbs. Dressed in a variety of costume, some representing animal spirits, and bearing a totem or rattle (depending on the belief structure), the healer becomes both priest and doctor. Songs are sung, chants are uttered, and the entire village joins in the efforts to heal. Catlin witnessed numerous healing ceremonies during his time with the Blackfeet, with varying degrees of success determined by the seriousness of the wound. In any case, Catlin observed, the healing ceremony was an important community event.
Throughout native society, the herbalist is called upon for a variety of functions. Though it would be easy for some cultural historians to compare the native herbalist to the pharmacist of modern society, that conclusion would not come close to describing the functions of the herbalist. Moving beyond the creation of mixtures and salves to heal wounds, the herbalist also assisted with pregnancy, the rite of passage, fevers, and even toothaches. The herbalist was also a counselor to the tribal elders, a respected leader among the community whose advice was often sought. The notoriety of the herbalist is evident even into the modern era. It is a profession that still exists among the sacred stations of native life; in some circles, the herbalist is viewed with more veneration than practitioners of western medicine. However, this is a dying art among many tribes. As native societies adapt and assimilate, much is absorbed or falls into disuse. Oral traditions still exist but are by and large replaced by the written word. Herbalists have managed to blend their art with modern techniques, thus allowing their ancient practices to survive and adapt with the changing times. Within reservations and native communities throughout North America, the traditional herbalist may have formal training as a pharmacist or doctor, but within his or her community their traditional art still carries more weight.
David M Jones and Brian L Molyneaux, Mythology of the American Nations. (London: Hermes House, 2006).
Gilbert Legay, Atlas of Indians. (Hauppage: Barron’s Educational Services, Inc., 1995)
Peter Matthiessen, ed., George Catlin: North American Indians. (New York: Penguin Group, 1989).
Mark St. Pierre and Tilda Long Soldier, Walking in the Sacred Manner: Healers, Dreamers, and Pipe Carriers—Medicine Women of the Plains. (New York: Simon and Schuster,1995).
Carl Waldman, Atlas of the North American Indian. New York: 2000).
